Calvinism and the Boy Scouts appear to be the two hot topics at next week’s annual gathering of Southern Baptists in Houston, Texas. I will be there covering the activities for you on Twitter, Facebook and BRnow.org.

Calvinism has seen growing popularity within Baptist ranks in recent years, especially among younger pastors. The recognition of that fact prompted Frank Page, CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention, to name a committee whose task was to identify the concerns and responses Baptists have expressed about Calvinism.

The report was made public last Friday and was posted on the Biblical Recorder’s website quickly. You can read the committee’s full report here. It is a "mild" report in the sense that it does not provoke further controversy. Yet it is strong in the way it clearly identifies our assignment. The intent is to bring a sense of calm and graceful reason to the discussion with the hope that Baptists will keep the focus on the Great Commission instead of our differences.

The other big topic of discussion in Houston is likely to center around Baptists’ response to the recent Boy Scouts’ decision to open its doors to homosexual boys for membership. This is a significant issue spiritually, morally, socially and civically.

Pray that the convention and the testimony of Southern Baptists that flows out of the convention will glorify God.

The Biblical Recorder staff has prepared a web page with links to many SBC 2013 resources, including a live feed of the Pastors Conference and a live feed of the proceedings of the convention. Access our page here.

If you have not read Thom Rainer's blog about Frank Page's daughter's suicide, please read it now. It tells a message that Christian leaders need to hear.

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